LETHBRIDGE: Starting Monday Scenic Drive where it turns into 9th Avenue North will be shut down.

The city is closing the road to allow for construction of Scenic Drive North, which will connect with Stafford Drive North, providing a new north-south connection along with improved access to Softball Valley and an artwork-filled pedestrian underpass.

Road Infrastruture Manager Richard Brummund explained the importance of the project, "When we first planned this project it was definitely the need for a north-south connection that would help 9th Avenue. 9th Avenue is more of a local collector road, and its really acting like an arterial right now."

Brummund added that the relatively mild winter has also helped crews get ahead of schedule. He continued that the closure should only be in effect for the next three months, with the new route expected to open November 1st.